7 myths you need to stop believing about Down's Syndrome

We've come a long way since the days when people with mental, physical and cognitive challenges were institutionalised and ostracised from society. Things may be drastically different now, but we still have a long way to go to dispel the myths surrounding some of the most common conditions in the world.

Down's Syndrome occurs in roughly 1 in 1000 births, yet there are still a number of misconceptions and assumptions associated with the condition that are regularly perpetuated:

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Myth 1: You can't have a successful career

This couldn't be further from the truth. Just recently, Australian model Madeline Stuart made headlines by starring in a bridal photoshoot. At just 19 years old, Madeline has already walked in New York Fashion Week twice and has even been nominated for Australian of the Year 2016. She also happens to be the first (and currently only) professional model with Down's Syndrome.

Of course, Madeline is hardly the only successful person with Down's Syndrome, with many going into acting, sports, arts and pretty much every industry. Unfortunately the main employment barrier facing people with Down's Syndrome is discrimination and stigma.

Myth 2: You always have a form of severe cognitive disability

Although cognitive impairment is common in people with Down's Syndrome, the majority of the time it ranges from mild to moderate. The most common issues faced are:

a short attention span

poor judgement

impulsive behaviour

slow learning

delayed language and speech development

These impairments are only considered 'severe' in a small amount of cases. The majority of people may take slightly longer to develop necessary language skills than other children but as with most of the population, quality of education, home environment and health care all play an important role.

Myth 3: You can't have romantic relationships, and don't want them either

The Channel 4 show 'The Undateables' took the internet by storm by showing that just because people are different or live with certain challenges, it doesn't mean that they don't want or deserve love and intimacy. Not only do with with Down's Syndrome fall in love and get married, but they have children too; just like everyone else.

Myth 4: Down's Syndrome is caused by the mother's age

Down's Syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome in the baby's DNA. While the mother's age can increase the risk of developing this, it's not something that can be 'triggered' or spread. In fact, 80% of babies with Down's Syndrome are born to women under the age of 35.

Myth 5: It is an 'affliction'

A huge misconception around Down's Syndrome is that it is an affliction to both the individual and their family. Not only have studies found a lower divorce rate among parents of children with Down's Syndrome, many will refer to it as a blessing. Although people living with Down's Syndrome may face certain challenges, it by no means makes their life any less valuable or enriched than anyone else's.

Myth 6: You won't live past 40

In 1983 the life expectancy of someone with Down's Syndrome was only 25. Because of the health complications often associated with the condition, improved healthcare over the past few decades has made an incredible difference. Up to 50% of people with the condition are born with heart defects, as well as other physical challenges. Despite this, most find that treatment at a young age means that as adults they experience few issues. Currently, people with Down's Syndrome can expect to live to 60 years and beyond.

Myth 7: It defines you

A lot of headway has been made in the understanding of how people with physical disabilities around the world aren't defined by that one aspect of their life. Unfortunately, the same can't quite be said for people living with Down's Syndrome. Language used such as "Down's baby" not only brings hurt and upset to the baby's family, but it also reduces them to a single label. Check out the Down's Syndrome Association terminology guide here.

Assuming that everyone with Down's Syndrome is the same is like assuming everyone of the same race is the same; people are individuals and as such have their own personality and character that defines them. People like Madeline Stuart is helping to tackle this issue, and challenge society's assumption of 'normal'.

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